FUQUAY VARINA

Gertrude was born in Johnston County to James Arthur Johnson and Mary Nancy Johnson.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Bessie Maidon (Fuquay Varina, NC), and her three brothers, James Willard Johnson (Smithfield, NC), Stephen Johnson (Johnston County, NC), and Nathan Johnson (Wilson, NC).  She was married to George Harris (Raleigh, NC).

Gertrude Harris had three outstanding characteristics to her credit.  The first was her work ethic.  She worked as a bookkeeper at Flints Cleaners and later at Johnson Cleaners until she was in her late 70s.  When asked what she liked about her work, she stated her customers.  She enjoyed meeting new people and greeting old friends who frequented the cleaners.  This leads to her second outstanding characteristic – her nature to easily make friends, care for others, and her sense of humor.  Her customers enjoyed their chats and showed their appreciation by gifting her with flowers, food, jewelry, etc.  Many said she was an "amazing lady" who always remembered them and their families.  Her last distinguishing characteristic was her talents in the kitchen.  She was a wonderful cook, and it gave her great joy to prepare food for others.  Thus her great tradition of cooking for both the Johnson and Maidon families, the kids' friends, and family visitors every Thanksgiving began.  Her phenomenal chicken salad, chicken pastry, and fried corn bread were always in demand.

She gives special thanks to her sister's four children for their care: Rixie Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL); Johnny Maidon (Fuquay Varina, NC); Charles Maidon and wife Carol (Apex, NC); Doug Maidon (deceased) and wife Jo (Cary, NC); and her great nephew C. J. Renfrow.  She is also survived by many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces and other family members.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15 at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh NC 27603. A Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Montlawn Funeral Home & Cremations before the service. In accordance with CDC and public health guideline, we invite everyone to please wear a mask while attending all services.